West Indians lose despite Bravo efforts

Stand-in captain Dwayne Bravo saved the touring West Indians from total humiliation but could not prevent his side from suffering a ten-wicket defeat against South Africa A at Buffalo Park Friday.

South Africa A completed their second win over a touring side this season, winning with a day to spare in the scheduled four-day match. They beat New Zealand by 85 runs last month.

It could have been worse for the tourists, who were facing an innings defeat when they were tottering at 53 for five in their second innings, still 125 runs behind South Africa A's first innings total.

But Bravo led a fightback by the lower order batsmen. He made 67 and shared stands of 65 for the sixth wicket with Dinesh Ramdin (35) and 87 for the seventh wicket with Darren Sammy (57).

Off-spinner Johan Botha dismissed Bravo, however, and the last four wickets fell for nine runs, leaving South Africa to make 37 to win. They claimed an optional extra half hour of playing time and openers Morne van Wyk and Alviro Petersen knocked off the runs in nine overs.

Earlier Bravo had figures of six for 51 with his medium-fast bowling after wrapping up the home side's innings at the start of the day. Century-maker Justin Ontong was only able to add five runs to his overnight score, finishing on 114 not out, as South Africa A lost three wickets for 20 runs. All the wickets fell to Bravo.

Bravo has led the touring team since Chris Gayle suffered a hamstring strain in the first one-day international against Zimbabwe last month. With Gayle still unable to run, Bravo may have to continue in the leadership role in the first Test starting in Port Elizabeth Wednesday.

Monde Zondeki, who took five for 39 in the first innings, ripped into the West Indian top order, taking three of the first five wickets. He finished with three for 61. Botha wrecked the tail to take four for 20.